Inside Westminster aims to provide students from all types of courses with a platform where they can not only network with one another but also share their student journeys and experiences. DEN is mainly made up of Politics and International Relations students however, over the recent years, there has been an increase in students from Psychology, Law, English Linguistics, Business Management etc., who are daily contributors to the weekly DEN meetings. As part of the Democratic Education Network (DEN), we not only evolve as students but also embark on our professional journeys under its umbrella. Here is a collection of stories of students who have been part of DEN, sharing their experiences to inspire other students.
In this week’s blog, I will be discussing my academic journey, starting from my experience at the GCSE level. During school, I was particularly interested in becoming an English teacher. However, I had a strong dislike for subjects like science and math, even though I performed well in them. I didn’t see a future for...
It’s midnight as I write this, just hours after returning from one of the most enriching experiences of my life—a field trip to Istanbul. As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I feel excited to share my story. I hope this inspires future students to embark on similar adventures and experience the wonders of...
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, uniquely bridging Europe and Asia. With its rich history from the Roman and Ottoman empires, it attracts many tourists every day. My upcoming trip to Istanbul will enhance my studies of politics and development in the Middle East, providing me with first-hand experience of its political, economic, and...
The way the Middle East was taught and presented to me was entirely different from my observations, as I was born and raised in London, a city known for its uniqueness and diversity. This module has helped to disprove many preconceived notions and has fostered a better understanding of what the Middle East truly encompasses....
As an Egyptian born and raised in Egypt, I am familiar with Turkey, even though I’ve never visited it. Growing up, I learned about the deep historical connections between Egyptian and Turkish cultures, particularly during the Ottoman era, as well as their shared religious ties. Because of this background, both Turkish culture and history feel...
My name is Edward Dean, and I am a 19-year-old undergraduate in my first year of an international relations bachelor’s degree. Back in sixth form, when I was 17, I felt completely lost and aimless. I had no aspirations or goals to direct my energy toward, and I was convinced my A-levels would be useless....
Istanbul, filled with history, culture, and traditions, is a popular tourist destination that attracts many visitors each year. Its unique geographical location, straddling both Europe and Asia, offers plenty for tourists to explore. The city’s rich history, from the Ottoman Empire to the present day, has left a significant mark on its identity. For politics...
The chance to take part in the Istanbul field trip would greatly improve my studies as a student of politics and international relations in several ways. As the largest city and cultural hub of Turkey, Istanbul provides a distinctive perspective for analysing the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics, development, and cultural dynamics. First, attending lectures at...
Over the past few weeks, sessions 2, 3, and 4 provided invaluable insights that have enhanced my understanding of democratic engagement within an international context. Although the topics covered were predominantly scientific, they hold relevance for my course in International Relations, particularly in developing a broader, culturally inclusive perspective. In Week 2, the discussion on...
The “Democratic Engagement in an International Context” course has provided valuable insights through its first three weeks of workshops, each focusing on distinct but interconnected themes. In Week 2, Dr. Kalpana Surendranath introduced the concept of CRISPR technology; in Week 3, Dr. Andy Pitchford examined the “McDonaldization” of education; and in Week 4, Dr. Pooja...
In Week 2, we examined the ethics of CRISPR technology and how to engage various communities in discussions about it, which is particularly relevant to my course, English Language and Global Communications. Ethics plays a crucial role in global communication, as we are learning to build trust and foster effective interactions between communities worldwide. During...
In sessions 2, 3, and 4, we explored various topics, all centered around the overarching theme of innovative education – education that stimulates, encourages interaction, and fosters engagement. Initially, I struggled to see the connection between these lessons and the broader topic of development in Vietnam. However, as the weeks progressed, it became much clearer....